TECHNICAL


Simple checks can instantly improve water use efficiencies


The result may be fairways and roughs that are less- than-desirable aesthetically, but the priority areas: tees, greens, and green


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surrounds, are irrigated. The result is a golf course that plays well and has saved a tremendous amount of water by


properly prioritising water allocations


based on the more wet areas, not dry areas. Then, when the irrigation system has completed its cycle, dry areas on the course are supplemented with spot or hand watering, which is typical for greens and surrounds. At best, the drier areas will be off- colour and the soil conditions harder, but if the irrigation system supplied the demands of the drier area, the result would be an overwatered course and poor use of water. Golf courses must prioritise their water applications when availability becomes limited. This approach impacts the aesthetics, but also the turf health in roughs and possibly fairways, and tree health, depending on water availability. During a drought, most golf courses must cut back on water applications because of the expense involved. The result may be fairways and roughs that are less-than- desirable aesthetically, but the priority areas: tees, greens, and green surrounds, are


irrigated. The result is a golf course that plays well and has saved a tremendous amount of water by properly prioritising water allocations. The firm fairways provide greater ball roll and that’s something many golfers enjoy.


Rechecking your system set-up


Rechecking your irrigation system set-up is vital in times of extreme heat and little rain. Issues will quickly become evident, but it’s best to be prepared and prevent any issues that incorrect set-up could cause. A good example of this is sprinkler pressure. We came across an example where the pressure at the greens sprinklers was set at 4.5 bar that, in turn, gave a sprinkler coverage of 20 metres. Whilst this didn’t present any major problems under normal UK conditions, when the dry period extended longer than expected, it became obvious that coverage wasn’t extending to


120 PC October/November 2018


Robert Jackson


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